Alleged crime kingpin Katiso Molefe back in court as state seeks to centralise cases

Alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe is expected to appear at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday as the State moves to centralise several high-profile criminal cases.

These cases, among others, include the 2022 murder of popular music producer, Oupa John Sefoka, well-known as DJ Sumbody.

Molefe, 61, was arrested in July 2025 by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team in Gauteng. 

He is accused of masterminding the murders of Sefoka and his bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, in Woodmead, Johannesburg. 

The State is seeking to consolidate his cases under one jurisdiction, likely to be heard in the Johannesburg High Court.

Molefe faces multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. 

At the time of his arrest, he was already out on bail in a separate assassination case.

In October, the Johannesburg High Court granted Molefe bail of R400,000, overturning an earlier ruling by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court that had denied his release. 

The court also upheld a previous bail amount of R100,000 granted in an unrelated matter.

Under the bail conditions, Molefe must report to the Morningside Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 6 a.m and 6 p.m. 

He is restricted to Gauteng province but may travel to Welkom, Free State, for business purposes with prior notification to the investigating officer. 

His passport remains in police custody, and he is prohibited from applying for new travel documents until the trial concludes. 

He is also barred from contacting any State witnesses directly or indirectly.

Judge Brad Wanless, in granting bail, ruled that Molefe had complied with all previous conditions and that the magistrate had erred in finding he failed to show exceptional circumstances warranting release.

Molefe’s legal counsel, Advocate Michael Hellens SC, argued that the State’s case rested on speculation and weak circumstantial evidence. 

“There was no evidence that he was a member of a syndicate - it’s just not there,” 

Hellens told the court. “He did nothing to bring the bail system into disrepute, didn’t run away, and didn’t interfere with anyone.”

Prosecutors, however, maintain that the evidence, when viewed collectively, forms a compelling case of Molefe’s involvement in a string of violent crimes.

Crime Intelligence Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo previously told the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into corruption and criminal infiltration in the justice system that Molefe and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala head the so-called “Big Five” cartel. 

syndicate allegedly operates several criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, tender fraud, and extortion.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe previously confirmed that three firearms - an AK-47 and two pistols - seized during the investigation have been forensically linked to 18 cases, including the murders of DJ Sumbody, Mokoena, and Myeza; the attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni; and several other killings and attempted murders across Gauteng.

The State is now pushing to centralise all related cases in the Johannesburg High Court to streamline prosecution and avoid duplication of evidence and witnesses.

IOL News